For more than 20 years, FCAN has worked to develop new policies reforms to improve future care and custody options for HIV- and substance-affected families in Illinois. Families served by the Family Options program have been instrumental in determining FCAN’s policy priorities. Each of FCAN’s educational and collaborative legal efforts has resulted from parents or guardians identifying gaps in current laws and social programs.

Early in the epidemic, FCAN’s newly formed Child Welfare Advocacy Task Force faced the challenge of creating legal options for infected parents who were rapidly progressing to - and dying of - AIDS. Today, although parents with HIV have been living longer with the help of medication, they still face debilitating periods of illness and uncertainty about their future health status. FCAN’s legal, policy, and advocacy efforts have evolved to provide families with planning options that reflect their complex situations.

Professional Resources

FCAN has been instrumental in developing policies and programs that strengthen and support HIV-affected families by drafting and enacting provisions for standby guardianship and short-term guardianship in Illinois. Due to FCAN’s work, Illinois implemented the nation’s first standby adoption legislation.

FCAN’s knowledgeable staff members are available to provide training and technical assistance to other service provider on areas of expertise.

For more information about scheduling a training or consultation with FCAN staff, please contact our Project Director, Linda Coon.

Policy Successes

FCAN’s collaborative policy efforts have led to the passage of many Illinois laws that address the gaps in care for HIV-affected families. Through our policy successes, FCAN is helping to improve the quality of life for families impacted by AIDS.

Through our policy and legislative efforts, FCAN works to change public policies to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by the HIV and AIDS. Below is our current policy agenda. For additional questions regarding policy updates, contact our Program Director,
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. We encourage consumers and community members to take action in the fight against HIV.